not writing books he spends his time as a fellow at the center for dance to governmental studies at johns hopkins university. tom also served as staff on the financial crisis inquiry commission and in my opinion there are a few things i would disagree with the commission's findings one thing i know for certain is the commission's report was stronger because of tom's involvement. the book is also informed largely by tom's experience on commission staff. we are fortunate to have with us alex pollock to offer his thoughts on the book. alex is resident fellow at the american enterprise institute. i got to know alex a decade ago when he was president and chief operating officer of the bank of chicago from 1991 from 2004 and i would also say i always found him to be one of the most insightful commentators on the financial service industry so with that i turn the podium over to thomas stanton. >> thanks very much, mark. good afternoon. i think it is acting in. it is a pleasure to join you today at the cato institute. i am extremely grateful to kato and want to express my thanks. years ago i wrot